Mike Tee

If you eventually get/decide on a bracket, forget the tow ball and get a ‘2” square receiver’ - google will help but think 4x4 - and the accessory’s that are about that fit into the 2” receiver are, I think, far better than tow ball ones.

In answer to the original question if you have access to google, searching for diy shops in a particular area will get you a map with them marked on it, and you can zoom in to see any near your preferred canals. I’ve used it for laundrettes when out away from home waters, and it works a treat - even giving walking directions if required.

We have owned dogs for many years in the past (would love another but due to my age would not be fair on the dog now) and I cannot see the sense in not training a dog properly. It’s hard work for maybe a year then, with luck, maybe 14 or 15 years of joy with one of the most devoted friends possible. The training never stops, but if the groundwork has been laid, not hard work and above all else, the dog will enjoy it and be a real pleasure to have around. I see people out with a yapping pest that pulls in all directions and no control or discipline in sight - it is obviously not any kind of pleasure to be out with a dog like that, and I wonder what kind of life the dog has at home. Owning and keeping a dog like this is, to me, bordering on cruelty. Morning rant over.

The idea that sticking a finger up a dogs backside will stop it fighting is not entirely true - however, some breeds will 'lock on' when fighting and the favorite point is to lock on round the other dogs throat. Not only will this obviously cause tissue damage there is a real danger of the attacked dog being choked to death in a very short time. (This is how the big cats kill their prey). There is very little chance of opening the dogs jaws once it has locked on, but 'gatting' as it is known, will 99% make the dog release. After attempting this, please wash your hands.

If a dog not on a lead attacked my dog that was on a lead, the attacking dog would get a free swimming lesson. A second attack would get it a free underwater swimming lesson. I know its not the dogs fault, but your dog should not suffer.

https://fourcountiesmarineservices.com/ Try Ed Shiers at ^^^, worth a phone call anyway

I see the Chinese tug still relies on old tech for the fenders - big tyres! Looks good though, and the port in general is pristine, with immaculate matching boats moored up into place with a tape measure.

I’M SORRY, YOU’LL HAVE TO SPEAK UP, HEARING AID BATTERY IS FLAT...............

Are you in a marina? Somebody will have some bolt croppers (standard kit for weedhatch use). Otherwise ask other moored boaters although they might suspect you of breaking in!

I just hate to see anybody, and in particular a child, standing within the arc of the tiller

Its OK, its all been passed by the management

You drink this IPA and you’d light up like a jet fighter!

Is there a trick if you mistime it and it goes tacky? Maybe panel cleaner (50% IPA 50% water)? Only asking as I'm planning on doing mine fairly soon!

there were a couple of Wyvern boats there on Saturday evening

^^^ and is this the result of a thin coating rubbed off almost immediately? Looks good.